How to Disable Efficiency Mode on Windows 11

Windows Efficiency Mode is a feature designed to optimise power usage by reducing CPU priority and limiting background activity for certain apps and processes. It helps improve energy efficiency and extend battery life, especially on laptops. But in doing so, it also destroys performance, which in a lot of cases doesn't end up being worth the trade-off. So work your way through the steps in this guide to disable Efficiency Mode on Windows 11.

What Is Efficiency Mode?

Efficiency Mode throttles CPU usage and power consumption for specific background processes. You’ll notice a green leaf icon next to affected tasks in Task Manager. Common targets include browser tabs and idle system apps. But it's also a feature that can interfere with performance-sensitive activities, causing delays or reduced responsiveness in active applications and basically slowing down everything you do...

How to Disable Efficiency Mode on Windows 11

If certain applications are unnecessarily throttled, you can disable Efficiency Mode for them directly in Task Manager:

• Press Ctrl + Shift + Esc to open Task Manager.
• Go to the Processes tab.
• Find the process with a green leaf icon (Efficiency Mode).
• Right-click the process and select Efficiency Mode (or click it in the top-right if visible).
• Confirm by clicking OK when prompted.

Note: This only affects the selected process and does not disable Efficiency Mode system-wide.

Prevent Chrome Tabs from Entering Efficiency Mode

Google Chrome may automatically apply Efficiency Mode to background tabs, causing delays when returning to them. To disable this behaviour

• Close Google Chrome.
• Right-click the Chrome shortcut on your desktop or taskbar and select Properties.
• In the Target field, place your cursor at the end and add the following:

• Click Apply, then OK.

Stop Windows from Applying Efficiency Mode Automatically

• To prevent Windows from throttling performance automatically:
• Open Control Panel via the Start menu.
• Go to Hardware and Sound > Power Options.
• Choose High Performance as your preferred plan.
• Click Change plan settings next to the active plan.
• Select Change advanced power settings.
• Expand Processor power management > Minimum processor state.
• Set the value to 100%.This ensures your CPU isn't unnecessarily downscaled during active use.

Update Apps to Improve Compatibility

Some older apps may not perform well with Efficiency Mode. Updating them can resolve compatibility issues:

• For Microsoft Store apps: Open the Microsoft Store, search for the app, and install any available updates.
• For other apps: Visit the app’s official website or check for updates via the app’s settings.

Disable Efficiency Mode via Registry Editor (Advanced Users Only)

This method applies a system-wide change. Use with caution:

• Press Windows + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
• Go to:

• In the right pane, double-click on Attributes.
• If it doesn’t exist, right-click in the pane > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value, name it Attributes, then open it.
• Set the value to 2.
• Restart your PC for changes to take effect.